Why is PACMA important?
The pediatrician is the main ally of parents in the health care of their children. This relationship becomes even more important when children have chronic health conditions diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Although parents may wish to continue visits with the pediatrician or pediatric subspecialist, eventually children will grow and need to receive care from an internist, family physician, and/or medical specialist. This process, known as the transition from pediatric care to adult care, is crucial. However, in Puerto Rico, this transition process is often not optimally managed, which can seriously affect the quality of medical care.
PACMA: Your Bridge to Adult Medical Care
PACMA (Bridge to Adult Medical Care) is an ongoing initiative created by the Fundación Hospital Pediátrico to support pediatric patients in their transition to adult medical care. This program follows the guidelines of the "GOT Transition" program, being a federal initiative created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). PACMA is designed to ensure a smooth and effective transition for those who have received pediatric care and must now transition to adult health care.
Key Facys:
20% of children under the age of 18 have health care needs.
90% of these children will reach adulthood and will need to transition to adult health care.
How would the development of PACMA benefit everyone?
Patients and Caregivers:
Planned Transition: We coordinate a structured transition so that the young
adult can transition smoothly from a pediatric to an adult health system.
Preparation and Education: We offer guidance to prepare young people
from the age of 14 and their caregivers for this new stage of life.
Care Management: We teach youth as young as 14 years old how to manage
their health care and how to use medical services effectively.
Continuity of Treatment: We support families in transferring information
to the new team of specialists to ensure that treatments continue uninterrupted.
For Health Personnel and Residents:
• Effective Support: We provide resources and tools to manage the transition, allowing healthcare providers to focus on ongoing treatment tailored to the patient's new needs.
About PACMA
Created in 2021, PACMA is aimed at:
• Patients: Who have received care at the University Pediatric Hospital.
• Chronic Conditions: Patients who suffer from chronic health conditions.
• Patients from 14 to 21 years old: the different stages are worked on according to the guidelines provided by the "GOT Transition".
Our Mission
Encourage a gradual, structured transition so that patients by age 21 continue to effectively manage their health and receive the best medical care.
Available Resources:
• Educational Content: Practical information for teens and young adults in Spanish.
• Physician Directory: Access to a directory of adult subspecialist physicians.
• Contacts and Resources: Contact information for patients and families, and specific resources for different conditions focused on transition.
Testimony:
"Before PACMA, I felt like I was going to cross an avenue blindfolded next to my daughter."
– Mother of Janlean, a 22-year-old with chronic conditions and the first patient successfully transitioned through the PACMA Program.
Explore our page to learn more about how PACMA can help you or your loved ones during this important transition.
PACMA Program Approach
Coordinate Effective Transitions
Preparing Patients and Caregivers
Promoting Self-Management of Health
Facilitating the Transfer of Information
PACMA provides participants with the information they need to begin their care with adult doctors (either general practitioners or specialists). In addition, PACMA helps patients and guardians identify and connect with physicians who accept their health insurance and have their practice close to the patient's place of residence (subject to the medical offer of the area of residence). By doing this, patients can continue their medical treatment with as few interruptions as possible.
We want to encourage a gradual, structured transition so that patients who turn 21 continue to effectively manage their health and receive the best medical care.
